chequebook journalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, critical
Quick answer
What does “chequebook journalism” mean?
The practice of news organizations paying significant sums of money for exclusive rights to publish stories, interviews, or images from individuals involved in newsworthy events.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of news organizations paying significant sums of money for exclusive rights to publish stories, interviews, or images from individuals involved in newsworthy events.
A controversial journalistic method where payment is used to secure exclusive access to sources, often seen as compromising journalistic integrity by potentially influencing the narrative or incentivizing sensationalism. It also refers broadly to the commercialization and commodification of news.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'chequebook' is standard in British English; 'checkbook' is used in American English ('checkbook journalism'). The concept and term are identical in meaning.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects, associated with tabloid practices, ethical compromise, and sensationalism.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK media discourse, given historical tabloid culture, but well-established and understood in US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chequebook journalism” in a Sentence
[Publication] was accused of chequebook journalism.The interview was a product of pure chequebook journalism.Critics argue that chequebook journalism undermines public trust.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chequebook journalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tabloid was accused of chequebooking its way to the headline.
- They chequebook-journalismed the entire scandal.
American English
- The network checkbooked its interview with the whistleblower.
- They were effectively checkbook-journalisming the trial.
adverb
British English
- The story was acquired chequebook-journalism-style.
- They operated rather chequebook-journalistically.
American English
- They reported checkbook-journalism-ly on the affair.
- The interview was secured checkbook-journalism-style.
adjective
British English
- The chequebook-journalism approach raised ethical flags.
- It was a classic chequebook-journalism tactic.
American English
- The checkbook-journalism methods of the outlet are notorious.
- It led to a checkbook-journalism frenzy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in media industry analysis regarding revenue models and ethical boundaries.
Academic
Analyzed in media ethics, communication studies, and sociology of news.
Everyday
Used in critical discussion of news media, often in opinion pieces or political commentary.
Technical
A specific term in media law and ethics codes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chequebook journalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chequebook journalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chequebook journalism”
- Misspelling: 'checkbook journalism' in a UK context or 'chequebook journalism' in a strictly US text.
- Using it to describe any journalism one dislikes, rather than specifically the practice of paying for exclusives.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not typically illegal, but it is widely considered unethical and is often against the editorial guidelines of reputable news organizations. It may breach press industry codes of conduct.
Paying a professional freelance journalist for their work is standard practice. Chequebook journalism specifically refers to paying the *subject* or *source* of a story (e.g., a criminal, a celebrity in a scandal) for exclusive access to their information or account.
Proponents, though rare, might argue it is the only way to secure information of high public interest from reluctant sources in a competitive market. However, this view is overwhelmingly outweighed by ethical objections.
Yes, the concept extends beyond daily news. If a documentary maker or publisher pays a key subject a large fee for exclusive participation, it can be described similarly, often as 'chequebook documentary-making' or 'chequebook publishing'.
The practice of news organizations paying significant sums of money for exclusive rights to publish stories, interviews, or images from individuals involved in newsworthy events.
Chequebook journalism is usually formal, journalistic, critical in register.
Chequebook journalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekbʊk ˈdʒɜːnəlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekbʊk ˈdʒɜrnəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not applicable for this compound term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a journalist writing a story *only* after cashing a large CHECK from a source. The BOOK of checks buys the news.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNALISM IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION (where truth is a commodity to be purchased).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary ethical concern associated with chequebook journalism?